Protective case for portable electronic device with integrated dispensable and retractable charge and sync cable

ABSTRACT

A protective case for a portable electronic device which incorporates a spool assembly containing a user dispensable and retractable Industry standard or OEM charge/sync cable. The case provides the user with the utility of always having a charge/sync cable available when needed while being discreetly housed in a low-profile ergonomically pleasing package. The case and spool assembly provide the user with up to 3 Ft or more of cable available for dispensing from the case while allowing the portable electronic device to be charged/synced at any desired dispensed length of cable, and can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite. The dispensed cable and connector can be rewound onto the spool manually using the spool finger pockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's society has adopted technology on a broad scale. This includesthe adoption of personal hand held electronics for use in playing music,playing games, making phone calls, navigating the internet, trackingyour exact location, checking the weather, etc. These electronic deviceshave taken the form of iPods®, iPhones®, iPads®, OEM Cell Phones,Personal Data Assistants (PDA's), handheld GPS navigation devices,portable music players, and the like. All of these handheld portabledevices are battery powered and require charging with an externalcharge/sync cable specific to the OEMs charging and interconnectrequirements. Today's increased use of video streaming and GPSnavigation on the latest smartphones have put a strain on batterycapacity and uninterrupted device use. This battery demand has requiredthe device user to charge their devices more frequently. However, to beable to charge the device, the user must possess the charge/sync cable.In addition, the cable must be compatible with the specific OEMrequirements, such as USB micro, USB mini, Lightning®, JAE 30-pin, etc.All popular electronic devices such as those listed above use acharging/sync cable that has a common distal end connector, currently atthe time of filing, this distal connector is the industry standard USBType A 4-pin shrouded male/plug connector, however the scope of thisinvention covers any type or gender of OEM proprietary or industrystandard distal connector. This invention solves the problem of the usernot having a charging/sync cable on their person when needed to rechargethe portable electronic device. In addition to always physically beingattached to the device and always electrically connected to the device,the distal connector is dispensable up to 3 Ft or more from the device,allowing the portable electronic device to be used as designed duringthe charging/sync time duration. Once charged or the sync is complete,the user can quickly and conveniently manually recoil the cable backinto its low profile storage position on the portable electronic deviceby radially spinning the spool assembly top clockwise with the usersfinger placed into one or more of the spool finger pockets. Thisinvention performs this utility in the form of two protective caseassembly halves either of which may house a coiled and spooled devicecompatible charge/sync cable, which can be dispensed from the caseassembly and returned to the case assembly using only ones fingers.

Others have devised methods to address the need for more battery poweras is referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,698 Chen et al., and U.S. Pat.No. 8,531,833 whereby a protective case is fitted with an externaladditional battery. While this does extend battery life and thus usagetime, once that time has expired, the user must find the appropriatecharge/sync cable and plug the distal connector into a power and/or datasource. With no cable, there is no additional/recharge power, regardlessof the battery presence in the case. With this invention, the user isnever without a charge/sync cable physically and electrically connectedto the portable electronic device, and the user is never without theability to plug the distal connector into a USB Type A or equivalentpower source receptacle. In other prior art such as U.S. Pat. No.6,957,978 Zoller, a means is provided to “coil” a charge/sync cablearound a protruding spool feature coupled to the back of the device.While the patent covers the retraction of the spool back into thehousing/case, the OEM end of the cable is not always connected/mated tothe device, and the cable must be fully removed from the spool andmanually connected to the portable electronic device beforecharging/sync. With the present invention, the charge/sync cable isalways physically and electrically connected at the OEM connector endand is ready for use once the distal connector is dispensed andconnected to a USB Type A or equivalent power source receptacle. U.S.Pat. No. 8,579,172 Monaco et al., provides several utilities in its casedesign such as drop protection, a belt clip, bottle opener, and earphonestorage and dispensing, however it does not provide an integratedcharge/sync cable.

While U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,001 Wu, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,595 Lo, is atransmission line wire winding device which is pulled at one end, it isnot integrated into a protective portable electronic device case, nordoes its fixed end constantly remain mated to the portable electronicdevice during the storage and use cycle. In addition, the presentinvention utilizes electrical contacts that are significantly differentthan those shown by Wu and Lo, and in the present invention, thesecontacts are applied in a manner that allows for the deflection of thecontact beams within the thickness of the PCB to which they aresoldered. U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,868 O'Dowd et al., and U.S. Pat. No.8,634,887 Hu et al., show means of applying a protective case or coverto a portable device, however, the present invention utilizes differentgeometry to that shown in the above referenced patents to temporarilyconnect the 2 case halves together. More specifically, latch geometrywas specifically designed in this invention that allows the two caseassembly halves to be snapped together relatively easily, whileremaining fairly difficult to disconnect, which provides case integrityand functionality during normal use and abuse of the portable electronicdevice, however allows easy de-attachment of the lower case assemblyhalf to allow unrestricted device “docking” to 3^(rd) party accessorydevices. U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,887 Fischer, shows a manual earphoneretraction apparatus, which is not a charge/sync cable, which could beincorporated into a portable electronic device case. The embodiment andclaims therein show a retraction spool with one or more “spherical”depressions for the acceptance of one's finger to wind. The presentinvention incorporates a similar spool, however incorporates “conical”depressions, (not “spherical” depressions as depicted and claimed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,365,887 Fischer, featuring steep side walls and flatdepression bottoms which provide better finger retention in the casespool assembly during the radial winding operation. In U.S. Pat. No.8,123,552 Hsu et al., a portable storage box is presented which is alsosimilar to the present invention, however it is designed for externalportable hard drives specifically. It also requires the device/portablehard drive to be permanently mounted to the case assembly and does notallow easy case assembly removal for device maintenance or device“docking”. In US Application 2013/0020425 Grassi et al., a protectivecase for electronic devices is proposed which incorporates storage forearphones and a charge/sync cable. However, Grassi requires the user toremove both ends of the charge/sync cable and earphone cables from thecase and then plug both ends of the charge/sync cable or earphone cableinto their respective device port locations for charging and/or sync, orheadphone use to occur. The present invention provides a constant matingcondition to the device regardless of the length of cable dispensed,while the case assembly is attached to the portable electronic device,and allows for cable dispensing to occur from the distal end only toconnect the portable electronic device to the power/sync source. Inaddition, due to the always connected/mated nature of the case/connectorin the present invention, the life of the OEM device integrated femaleconnector is significantly extended by reducing the number ofdevice/cable mates required for the lifespan of the device, and reducingthe portable electronic device OEM connector to exposure of moisture anddebris.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to overcome theaforementioned problems and limitations by providing a protective casefor a portable electronic device which incorporates a spool assemblycontaining an integrated user dispensable and retractable OEM orindustry standard charge/sync cable.

To achieve the aforementioned objectives the present invention providesa protective case which is comprised of 2 case housing sub-assemblies.The 2 case housing halves/assemblies are defined as 1) the noseconehousing assembly, and 2) the lower housing assembly. These 2complimentary housing assemblies encase and protect a portableelectronic device whereby the electronic device slides into aconstraining pocket available on each of the case assembly halves whichhave flat inner back surfaces, device curve following side walls andintegrated top retaining lip features. The retaining lips are optimallysized to provide reliable device retention, while also providing enough“slip-fit” clearance to allow the user to easily assemble anddis-assemble the case from the portable electronic device. The lowerhousing assembly includes a fixed and terminated OEM proprietary, orindustry standard proximal connector which mates with the portableelectronic device upon the 2 case housing halves latching together. The2 case housing halves are joined together by an interconnecting latchwith boss and pocket features that are built into each case assemblyhousing. The “beam” latches are symmetrical to the longitudinal ory-axis of the device, and are designed to allow easy assembly andlatching of the 2 halves, while providing a higher retraction ordis-assembly force to provide case integrity during normalassembled/latched use and abuse. The dis-assembly force is such thatdis-assembly is still relatively easy with a moderate tug which allowsfor the lower housing assembly to be removed for device maintenance,cleaning, or docking to 3^(rd) party accessories.

The nosecone housing assembly contains geometric features that allow forthe uninhibited and unrestricted use of the device interfaces, such asthe on/off switch and the up and down volume buttons. The noseconehousing also has a recessed camera viewport for unrestricted andunaltered photo/video functionality of the device. In addition, thenosecone housing has optional geometric features that allow for theviewing of a device OEM logo. The nosecone housing is designed to becompatible with injection molding manufacturing and has been designed tobe compatible with industry standard mold design and/or machiningprocesses. The nosecone housing can be made using any commerciallyavailable thermoplastic such as ABS® or any metal, wood, or composite.The nosecone housing has several shallow pockets on its surface designedto accept thin protective and anti-slip elastomeric decals, each withadhesive on one side.

The lower housing assembly is comprised of an upper and lower housinghalf, a spool assembly comprised of a stator PCB assembly, an Industrystandard USB Type A connectorized and terminated pigtail assembly, arotor PCB and contact assembly, an OEM Industry standard connectorpigtail assembly, and protective/anti-slip elastomeric decals, each withadhesive on one side. The lower housing assembly upper and lower housinghalves have been designed to be compatible with injection moldingmanufacturing and have been designed to be compatible with industrystandard mold design. The lower housing upper and lower housing halvescan be made using any commercially available thermoplastic such as ABS®,any metal, wood, or composite. The lower housing upper & lower housinghalves have several shallow pockets on their surfaces which are designedto accept thin protective and anti-slip decals of rubber, each with aPSA adhesive on one side.

The present invention allows the user to dispense the USB Type Acharge/sync connector by pulling at only one end, with more than 3 ft.of charge cable being potentially pulled from the case assembly. Thisallows the user to fully use the features and capabilities of theelectronic device while the device is charging or syncing. Once chargingor syncing is complete, the present invention allows the user to quicklyand easily retract or recoil the USB Type A connector and attached cableby spinning/winding the spool assembly using a finger pressed into oneof the circular conical depressions on the spool top surface, or by useof a recoil spring, the cable can be automatically rewound onto thespool assembly. The present invention by means of the PCBs andelectrical contacts allows the user to charge/sync the portableelectronic device in any dispensed/extracted length position of USB TypeA connector. The present invention can be manufactured using industrystandard tooling and techniques, no special assembly tooling isrequired. The present invention also is manufactured using industrystandard OEM cable assemblies so as to be compatible with all currentand future OEM portable electronic devices such as the ever evolvingdesigns of cell phones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Is a top left ISO view of the invention in its assembledcondition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its storedcondition.

FIG. 2. Is a bottom right ISO view of the invention in its assembledcondition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its storedcondition.

FIG. 3. Is a top left ISO view of the invention in its assembledcondition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its partiallydispensed position.

FIG. 4. Is a bottom right ISO view of the invention in its assembledcondition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its partiallydispensed position. Some of the elastomeric decals are highlighted inthis view.

FIG. 5. Is a top left ISO view of the device with the nosecone assemblyand lower housing assembly shown in their unmated condition. Allrelevant device features are defined in this view.

FIG. 6. Is a top left ISO view of the lower housing assembly shown inits exploded state.

FIG. 7. Is a top left ISO view of the stator PCB, rotor PCB and spoolassembly shown in an exploded state.

FIG. 8. Is a bottom left ISO view of the stator PCB, rotor PCB and spoolassembly shown in an exploded state.

FIG. 9. Is a bottom left ISO view of the rotor PCB and coiled USB Type Acable assembly shown in an exploded state.

FIG. 10. Is a bottom left ISO view of the rotor PCB and coiled USB TypeA cable assembly shown in an assembled state.

FIG. 11. Is a combination Plan, Section, and Detail view of the StatorPCB, Rotor PCB, and Spool Assembly shown in the assembled condition.This view is meant to highlight the electrical contact and its normalforce deflection condition, and that the deflection occurs in plane withthe thickness of the rotor PCB to which it is soldered.

FIG. 12. Is a back left ISO view of the case assembly only with thenosecone assembly and lower housing assembly slightly unmated tohighlight the interlocking features of both assemblies.

FIG. 13. Is a top right ISO of the lower housing lower half to highlightthe lower housing lower half features.

FIG. 14. Is a back right ISO of the lower housing lower half tohighlight the lower housing lower half features.

FIG. 15. Is a bottom left ISO of the lower housing upper half tohighlight the lower housing upper half features.

FIG. 16. Is a top left ISO of the lower housing upper half to highlightthe lower housing upper half features.

FIG. 17. Is a top right ISO of the nosecone to highlight the noseconefeatures.

FIG. 18. Is a bottom left ISO of the nosecone to highlight the noseconefeatures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1. Is a top left ISO view of the 2 protective case housing halves,nosecone housing assembly 110 and lower housing assembly 120 fully matedand assembled for use with a known portable electronic device 100. Thecoordinate system shown in FIG. 1., identifies the directions and axisreferenced in this embodiment.

FIG. 2. Is a back left ISO view of the 2 protective case housing halves,nosecone housing assembly 110 and lower housing assembly 120 fully matedand assembled for use with a known portable electronic device 100. Ascan be seen in FIG. 2, the protective case allows for the full anduninhibited use of the device functionality through the nosecone housingassembly viewport 115 and nosecone housing assembly mute pocket 117 andlower housing assembly speaker/microphone Port A 324 and lower housingassembly speaker/microphone Port B 325. The present invention applies toall forms and manufacturers of portable electronic devices, andtherefore different variations may include various “windows” or “ports”in various geometric positions on the protective case housing halvessuch as to highlight a manufacturer's logo, as is shown in the noseconehousing assembly core window 116. FIG. 2. Additionally highlights thelower housing assembly spool assembly 500 which is used to hold theindustry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly 800 and the lowerhousing assembly USB Type A connector assembly 130. The lower housingassembly USB Type A access port 326 is used to allow for the containmentand protection of the lower housing assembly USB Type A connectorassembly 130, and to allow for the dispensing and retracting/rewindingof the industry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly 800 and thelower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly 130 through thebody of the lower housing assembly 120. In addition, FIG. 2. Shows theelastomeric decal (such as rubber)—lower housing assembly—lower bottom402. This rubber decal and others that will be described later in thisembodiment are designed for 3 main purposes, 1) drop and bump damageprotection, 2) anti-slip properties in one's hands and on hard surfaces,3) aesthetic beautification and style. In addition, the use of adhesivebacked rubber decals allows for the maintenance and repair of thefunctionality described above. The decals can be made of any elastomericmaterial such as rubber, and can be of any color, or have any design orimage imprinted on their top surface. The decals can be of smoothtexture, or any other rougher texture or 3D profile/contour, and can beof any practical or varying thickness and not be limited to the 0.032″constant thickness shown in the invention drawings. In both FIG. 1 andFIG. 2, the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly 130 isshown in its fully retracted and stored condition.

FIG. 3. Again shows a top-left ISO view of the 2 protective case housinghalves, nosecone housing assembly 110 and lower housing assembly 120assembled for use with a known portable electronic device 100. FIG. 3.,also shows the industry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly 800and its associated Overmold USB type A 134 and connector USB Type A 133shown in a partially dispensed position. The invention may include anynominal full length of cable that will fit onto a spool assembly and isnot limited to any specific fully dispensed/extracted length. For thepresent invention, the spool holds approximately 3 Ft of extendablecable. This 3 Ft length allows the user to fully utilize the portableelectronic device 100 while the device is plugged into a charge/syncport such as those found on laptop and desktop computers and morerecently being integrated into vehicle cabins and wall electricaloutlets. FIG. 3 also shows the “butt-out” 150 of the housing 120 whichextends a minimum of 0.21 inches from the device charge/sync port faceto provide a surface area for one-handed holding of the electronicdevice without obscuring the device screen. The bump-out 150 alsoprovides the housing space to accommodate the proximal device connectorand its associated 180 degree bend of the cable. The bump-out alsocreates a corresponding “nook” 151. This nook provides the user with atactile way to discern the orientation of the portable device in one'spocket, or in poorly lit or visually obscured conditions.

FIG. 5. Shows the nosecone housing assembly 110, and the lower housingassembly 120 dis-assembled from the portable electronic device 100. Thisdis-assembly of the nosecone housing assembly 110 is performed by theuser by applying a Y-axial force that is sufficient to overcome thelatching force imparted by latching features 117, 118, 302, 303 shown inFIG. 12. The complete removal of the nosecone housing assembly 110 isaccomplished by overcoming the friction forces of the volume up button203 and volume down button 202 shown in FIG. 17. Dis-assembly of thelower housing assembly 120 from the portable electronic device 100 isperformed by the user by applying a Y-axial force that is sufficient toovercome the latching force imparted by latching features 117, 118, 302,303 shown in FIG. 12. For purposes of “docking” the portable electronicdevice 100 with 3^(rd) party accessories such as a with a portable musicplayer/speakers, the nosecone housing assembly 110 can be left in theassembled state on the portable electronic device 100 while only thelower housing assembly 120 is easily and temporarily removed. FIG. 5.,also shows typical features found on a portable electronic device suchas the electronic device on/off switch 103, the electronic device topcamera 109A, the electronic device bottom camera 109B, the electronicdevice screen 107, the electronic device interface button 104, theelectronic device speaker/microphone A 101A, the electronic devicespeaker/microphone B 101B, the electronic device charge/sync port 102,the electronic device headphone port 105, the electronic device volumedown button 106A, the electronic device volume up button 106B, and theelectronic device mute switch 108.

FIG. 6., Shows a top left ISO exploded view of the lower housingassembly 120. The lower housing assembly lower half 301 can be made ofany thermoplastic, metal, wood or composite, and forms the base of thelower housing assy. The lower housing assembly upper half 320 can bemade of any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite, and is permanentlyglued or bonded to the lower housing assembly lower half 301 using thehousing latching features 311 and 308 shown in FIG. 13., latchingfeature 314 shown in FIG. 14., and interlock lips 327 and alignmentposts 321 shown in FIG. 15. The lower housing assy OEM connector pigtailassy 190 is shown in an exploded position in FIG. 6. and is not modifiedfrom its vendor or OEM supplied condition, however the cable 800 hasbeen cut approximately 3 inches from the connector shown in FIG. 6 toallow the pigtail assy 190 to be electrically terminated to the lowerhousing stator PCB 180. The lower housing assembly spool assembly 500,and lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly 130, is shownin its exploded position in FIG. 6., and interacts with the lowerhousing halves 301 and 320, and lower housing assembly stator PCB 180.Also shown in FIG. 6. are various rubber decals used to provideprotection and anti-slip functionality as well as aestheticbeautification of the protective case. These decals are the lowerhousing assembly top trim 413, lower housing assembly top thumb rest412, lower housing assembly left side 404, and lower housing assemblyback 410.

FIG. 7., is a top left ISO view of the following isolated maincomponents, the lower housing stator PCB 180, the lower housing OEMconnector pigtail assembly 190, and the lower housing assembly spoolassembly 500. Looking at the lower housing and assembly stator PCB 180in more detail, it can be seen that there are several alignment/mountingholes 183 which are used to align and mount the stator PCB 180 to thelower housing assembly lower half 301. Also shown are the stator PCB viaholes 183 which are used to connect the PCB top and bottom tracestogether electrically. The stator PCB center hub hole 181 is used toform a radial bearing surface for the lower housing spool assembly 500.The lower housing assembly rotor PCB 510 is shown in FIG. 7., andradially interacts with the lower housing assembly stator PCB to providecontinuous electrical connections between the lower housing assembly OEMconnector pigtail assembly 190 and the industry standard charge/syncpigtail assembly 800 at any length of extraction from the protectivecase. Looking at the rotor PCB 510 in more detail, the rotor PCBanti-rotation slot 513 can be seen. This anti-rotation slot mates withand is glued/bonded to the spool top anti-rotation boss 521 and oncemated creates the spool assembly 500. The width of the spool assemblythat is used to accommodate the industry standard charge/sync pigtailassembly 800 is determined by the spool top cable width boss 522. Therotor PCB contact heel mount 515 is used to locate, align andelectrically terminate the rotor PCB contact 700 shown in FIG. 11. Therotor PCB contact deflection slot 514 is used to locate, align, andprovide a z-axis space for the PCB contact 700 to deflect upon assemblyand provide a sufficient normal force to the stator PCB constant contactpads 184, 185, 186, 187, and 188 shown in FIG. 8. The rotor PCB centerhub hole 516 is used to allow the rotor PCB center hub 525 to passthrough it and interact with the stator PCB center hub hole 181. Alsoshown in FIG. 7. is the overmold USB Type A 134 and connector USB Type A133 which are used to interface with the power source or computer forsyncing.

FIG. 8., is a bottom left ISO view of the following isolated maincomponents, the lower housing stator PCB 180, the lower housing OEMconnector pigtail assembly 190, and the lower housing assembly spoolassembly 500. A closer look at the spool top 520 shows at least oneradially spaced spool top finger depression 524 used to retain the usersfinger during the rewinding/recoiling process of retrieving and storingthe lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly 130 into thecase assembly. Other features of the spool top finger depression 524 arethe spool top finger depression floor 527 which serves at the bottom ofthe depression, and the spool top finger depression conical wall 528which is used to retain the users finger in the depression during therewinding process of retrieving and storing the lower housing assemblyUSB Type A connector assembly 130 into the case assembly. The spool toprewind direction arrow 523 is shown in FIG. 8., and is provided as avisual aid for proper rewinding/recoiling operation. The spool toprotation bearing surface 526 is used to retain the spool assy 500 in thelower housing assembly 120 by bearing on the lower housing lower halfspool pocket 307 shown in FIG. 13. Also shown in FIG. 8. Is the spoolassembly epoxy strain relief ring 600 which is potted in place over thesolder terminations of the industry standard charge/sync pigtailassembly 800 to provide axial strain relief of the cable assembly whenthe cable is fully extracted and experiences an y-axis pull force fromthe user.

FIG. 9., is a bottom left ISO view of the lower housing spool assembly500 shown in an exploded state. The rotor PCB contact 700 is shownassembled to the rotor PCB 510 by means of surface mount solderingtechniques. The contact 700 is constrained to the PCB by means of asolder joint to the corresponding PCB wire termination pad 512, and bythe solder surrounding the “heel” of the contact 700 and wetted to thePCB plated thru hole 515.

FIG. 10., is a top left ISO view of the lower housing spool assembly 500shown in an assembled state. The industry standard charge/sync pigtailassembly 800 is shown in its soldered position to the rotor PCB 510, andencapsulated in the epoxy strain relief ring 600. The encapsulationmaterial may be of any suitable potting material such as but not limitedto, glue, epoxy, thermoplastic resin, etc. The encapsulate is designedto adhere to the rotor PCB 510, and to the conductors and jacketmaterial of the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly 800 toprovide y-axis strain relief during user extraction of the USB connectorassembly 130. The axial strain relief performance shall be sufficient toprovide damage protection during normal use and abuse by the user.

FIG. 11., shows a top plan view of the isolated components the lowerhousing stator PCB 180, the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly190, and the lower housing assembly spool assembly 500. The lowerhousing OEM connector pigtail assembly 190 is soldered to the stator PCB180 by means of the stator PCB wire solder pads 186 and stator PCBground solder pad 187. FIG. 11., section A-A shows the section view ofthe isolated components the lower housing stator PCB 180, the lowerhousing OEM connector pigtail assembly 190, and the lower housingassembly spool assembly 500 used to identify Detail F. FIG. 11., shows a5:1 scale view of the lower housing assembly stator PCB 180, the lowerhousing assembly rotor PCB 510, the rotor PCB contact 700, and theindustry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly 800 shown in theassembled condition. Detail F shows a cross section view of the assemblyand highlights the rotor PCB contact deflection slot 514 which allowsthe rotor PCB contact 700 to deflect upon spool assembly creating acontact bearing normal force sufficient to create a reliable andconstant electrical connection between the rotor PCB 510, and the statorPCB 180 which completes the electrical connections of the industrystandard charge/sync pigtail assembly 800 and the lower housing OEMconnector pigtail assembly 190, which when in the assembled state shownin FIG. 1, will allow for the charging and/or syncing of the portableelectronic device 100 when the lower housing assembly USB Type Aconnector assembly 130 is extracted from the case by the users fingerand is plugged into a USB Type A power source or computer USB port. Therotor PCB contact 700 utilizes 2 deflection beams for redundant 2 pointcontact with the stator PCB 180 constant contact pads 184, 185, 186,187, and 188 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12., is a bottom left ISO view of the protective case assembly withthe lower housing assembly 120 shown slightly disengaged from thenosecone housing assembly 110. The lower housing assembly 120 isconnected and retained to the nosecone housing assembly 110 by means ofthe symmetrically opposed latching features comprised of the noseconelatching pocket 117 and the corresponding lower housing latching boss304. The resultant latching force shall be sufficient to retain thenosecone housing assembly 110, and the lower housing assembly 120together during normal device usage, and thereby protectively encasingthe portable electronic device 100. The nosecone latch lead-in ramp 118,is designed in such a manner as to have the lead-in angle be shallowwith respect to the steeper ramp angle of the lower housing latchingramp 303. This design intent results in a smaller y-axis force beingrequired to mate/latch the lower housing assembly 120 to the noseconehousing assembly 110, and a relatively higher y-axis force beingrequired to un-mate/de-latch the lower housing assembly 120 from thenosecone housing assembly 110. This assures that the 2 housing halves donot inadvertently become de-latched during normal use of the portableelectronic device 100. The latching of the two housing halves isaccomplished by the beam deflection of the symmetrical lower housinglatching bosses 304, and the subsequent relaxing of those bosses to nestinto the corresponding symmetrically opposed nosecone housing latchingpockets 117. The magnitude of the mating/latching force of the 2 housinghalves is controlled by the lead-in angle of the nosecone housing latchlead-in ramp 118, the height of the lower housing latching bosses 304,and the depth of the lower nosecone latching pockets 117. All noseconehousing latch features are designed to be compatible with currentindustry standard injection molding and machining techniques. Also shownin FIG. 12., are more adhesive backed rubber decals such as the rubberdecal nosecone assy front 406, the rubber decal lower housing assemblyleft side 411, and the rubber decal lower housing assembly lower bottom402. These rubber decals are designed to mount in shallow conformalpockets in the nosecone housing assembly 110, and the lower housingassembly 120, and by design of the depth of the pockets and thethickness of the adhesive backed rubber decals, the exposed top surfaceof the decals shall protrude beyond the top surfaces of the noseconehousing assembly 110, and the lower housing assembly 120, which addsnon-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbingdrop or bump protection functionality.

FIG. 13., is atop right ISO view of the lower housing lower half 301,which can be made of any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite, andcan either be manufactured by means of injection molding or machining.The lower housing lower half 301, is designed to mate and be permanentlybonded to the lower housing upper half 320 shown in FIG. 15. The intentof having a lower housing lower half 301 and a lower housing upper half320 is to allow each half to be easily manufactured by means ofinjection molding or machining. The lower housing lower half alignmentmating holes 305, are used in combination with the lower housing lowerhalf alignment/mating posts 308, to align the lower housing lower half301 to the lower housing upper half 320 during the manufacturing bondingprocess of the two halves to each other. In addition, to add strength tothe lower housing assembly, the symmetrically opposed lower housinglower half interlock pockets 311A and 311B, mate and are permanentlybonded with the corresponding lower housing upper half interlocking lips327A, and 327B. The lower housing lower half OEM pigtail strain reliefpocket 306 is used to provide a space for the excess cable to “live”after assembly/bonding of the stator PCB 180 to the lower housingassembly lower half 301. The lower housing lower half spool pocket isdesigned to constrain the spool assembly 500 as the lower housingconnector assembly 130 is extracted and retrieved by means of rotationabout the z-axis. The lower housing lower half cable restricting slot309 is designed to orient the OEM pigtail cable assembly 800 with theorientation of same cable assembly as it is wound onto spool assembly500. This rectangular aperture/slot matches the profile of the pigtailcable assembly 800, and assures that the cable will not get twisted onthe spool and assures consistent reliable operation of the spoolassembly 500. The lower housing lower half core pocket 310 provides nofunctional or aesthetic function to the invention, however provides amore consistent wall thickness of the lower housing lower half component301, and prevents unwanted defects in the injection molding process suchas sinks or unwanted warping. The lower housing lower half USB portpocket 318, is designed to guide and constrain the lower housingconnector assembly 130, as it engages/enters/exits the lower housingassembly 120.

FIG. 14., is a bottom right ISO view of the lower housing lower half301, where the lower housing lower half USB Type A dispensing pocket 317is designed to allow user to advance the lower housing connectorassembly 130 sufficiently past the entry/exit face of the lower housingassembly 120, such that the user can grab the lower housing connectorassembly 130, with one's fingers to extract a desired length of the OEMcable assembly 800, to reach the external power source and/or data port.Also shown in FIG. 14., are several shallow rubber decal pockets, suchas the lower housing lower half upper bottom decal pocket 312, the lowerhousing lower half left side decal pocket 314, the lower housing lowerhalf back decal pocket 315, and the lower housing lower half lowerbottom decal pocket 313, which are designed to accept the thickness ofthe corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed topsurface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the topsurfaces of the nosecone housing assembly 110, and the lower housingassembly 120, which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, aswell as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality.

The lower housing lower half OEM pigtail strain relief pocket 316, isdesigned to provide a minimum of 0.21 inches of y-axis space where theOEM pigtail assembly 190 can make a 180 degree transition duringassembly.

FIG. 15., is a bottom left ISO view of the lower housing upper half 320showing the lower housing upper half alignment/mounting posts 321, whichare used during alignment and permanent bonding to the lower housingassembly lower half 301 and its alignment/mating holes 305. The lowerhousing upper half OEM pigtail pocket 322, is designed to provide aspace where the OEM pigtail assembly 190 can make a 180 degreetransition during assembly. The lower housing upper half USB Type Apocket 319, is complimentary to feature 318, and is designed to allowthe user to advance the lower housing connector assembly 130sufficiently past the entry/exit face of the lower housing assembly 120,such that the user can grab the lower housing connector assembly 130,with one's fingers to extract a desired length of the OEM cable assembly800 to reach the external power supply or sync port. Both the lowerhousing lower half 301, and the lower housing upper half 320, have beendesigned to be compatible with current industry standard injectionmolding and machining techniques. The lower housing upper halfspeaker/microphone Port A 324, and the lower housing upper halfspeaker/microphone Port B 325, are designed to allow for the undisturbedsound access and egress to the portable electronic devicespeaker/microphone Ports 101A and 101B. The symmetrically opposed lowerhousing upper half interlocking lips 327A and 327B are designed to mateand be permanently bonded with the lower housing lower half interlockpockets 327A and 327B to add mechanical strength and stability to thelower housing assembly 120. The lower housing upper half deviceretaining lip 326 is designed to retain the portable electronic device100 in the z-axis when assembled into the lower housing assembly 120,and to provide a surface to accommodate the top trim decal pocket 329shown in FIG. 16. The lower housing upper half side decal pockets 326and 327 have depths of the pockets designed to accept the thickness ofthe corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed topsurface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the topsurfaces of the nosecone assembly 110, and the lower housing assembly120, which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well asshock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality.

FIG. 16., is a top left ISO view of the lower housing upper half 320,where the lower housing upper half top trim decal pocket 329, the lowerhousing upper half back decal pocket 331, and the lower housing upperhalf top thumb rest decal pocket 332, are designed to accept thethickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereasthe exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distancebeyond the top surfaces of the nosecone assembly 110, and the lowerhousing assembly 120, which adds non-slip functionality of the caseassembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protectionfunctionality. The lower housing upper half top mic ports 330A and 330Bare designed to allow for sound access and egress from the portableelectronic device speaker/mic ports 101A and 101B.

FIG. 17., is a top right ISO view of the nosecone housing component 111,which can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood, orcomposite material using any standard manufacturing process such asinjection molding or machining. FIG. 17., also highlights the noseconehousing volume down button 203, and the nosecone housing volume upbutton 204 which are sub-components of the nosecone housing assembly 110and may be manufactured from any thermoplastic, metal, wood, orcomposite using any standard manufacturing process such as injectionmolding or machining. Buttons 203 and 204 are designed to provide anextension of the portable electronic device volume down button 106, andvolume up button 107 through the nosecone housing volume up portaperture 112, and nosecone housing volume down port aperture 113. Thenosecone housing volume button relief pocket 125, is incorporated intothe nosecone housing 111, to provide space for the retaining lip of thenosecone housing buttons 202 and 203. In a similar manner, the noseconehousing on/off button 201, may be manufactured from any thermoplastic,metal, wood, or composite using any standard manufacturing process suchas injection molding or machining. Nosecone housing on/off button 201,is designed to provide an extension of the portable electronic deviceon/off button 103 through the nosecone housing on/off button port 114,allowing the user uninhibited use of the device functionality. Thenosecone housing mute pocket 117 is provided to allow the userunrestricted access and use of the electronic device mute switch 108.The nosecone housing top trim decal pocket 126, and the nosecone housingright side decal pocket 124, are designed to accept the thickness of thecorresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed topsurface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the topsurfaces of the nosecone housing assembly 110, which adds non-slipfunctionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop orbump protection functionality. FIG. 17., also highlights the noseconehousing retaining lip 115, which is designed to retain the portableelectronic device 100 in the z-axis when assembled into the noseconehousing assembly 110, and to provide a surface to accommodate thenosecone housing top trim decal pocket 126. The nosecone housing deviceretaining lip 115, in combination with the lower housing upper halfdevice retaining lip 326 when fully assembled and interlocked with theelectronic device 100, form an unobstructed viewing port for theelectronic device screen 100, the electronic device top camera 109A, andthe electronic device interface button 104.

FIG. 18., is a bottom left ISO view of the nosecone component 111, andhighlights the nosecone housing core window 116, which is designed toallow viewing of an OEM electronic device logo, and prevents unwanteddefects in the injection molding process such as sinks or unwantedwarping. The nosecone housing viewport 115 is incorporated into thenosecone housing 111 to allow unaltered access to the electronic devicebottom camera 109B, without imparting any unwanted image distortion orartifacts of the device imaging during normal use. The nosecone housingbottom decal pocket 119, nosecone housing front decal pocket 120, andthe nosecone housing left side decal pocket 122, are designed to acceptthe thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals,whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude somedistance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone housing assembly 110,which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shockabsorbing drop or bump protection functionality and aestheticbeautification.

A protective case for a portable electronic device which incorporates aspool assembly containing a user dispensable and retractable Industrystandard or OEM charge/sync cable. The case provides the user with theutility of always having a charge/sync cable available when needed whilebeing discreetly housed in a low-profile ergonomically pleasing package.The case and spool assembly provide the user with up to 3 Ft or more ofcable available for dispensing from the case while allowing the portableelectronic device to be charged/synced at any desired dispensed lengthof cable, and can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood,or composite. The dispensed cable and connector can be rewound onto thespool manually using the spool finger pockets. The 2 distinct casehousing assemblies encase the device in a constraining pocket, utilizingramped boss and pocket latching features to retain the case housinghalves and the portable electronic device in the assembled and protectedcondition, while allowing the unobstructed use of the device's fullfunctionality. The housing latching bosses and pockets are designed toprovide adequate assembly integrity, while allowing for the easy removalof the lower housing assembly to provide “docking” access of the deviceto 3rd party accessories. The protective case utilizes several adhesivebacked elastomeric decals mounted in complimentary shallow housingpockets, to provide drop and bump protection of the electronic device aswell as anti-slip properties and aesthetic beautification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case assembly for a portableelectronic device, comprising: a protective housing assembly, anintegrated cable/connector assembly configured to be coupled to astandard portable electronic device charge/sync port of a portableelectronic device such that the cable/connector assembly is alwayscoupled to said charge/sync port when said portable electronic device isdisposed in the protective housing assembly, and an integratedrotational spool assembly, containing a fixed length of charge/synccable and a distal interface connector, that can be extended orretracted from the housing assembly.
 2. The protective case assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the protective housing assembly comprises a noseconehousing and a lower housing configured to be selectively latchedtogether.
 3. The protective case assembly of claim 1, wherein theprotective housing assembly includes a pocket configured to captures andretains a portable electronic device and wherein the protective housingassembly includes at least one aperture for access to user interfaces ofa portable electronic device.
 4. The protective case assembly of claim1, wherein the protective housing assembly includes a pocket to housethe spool assembly.
 5. The protective case assembly of claim 1, whereinthe distal interface connector is an industry standard USB connector orany other device specific/proprietary portable electronic devicecharge/sync cable connector.
 6. The protective case assembly of claim 1,wherein the protective housing assembly is formed from at least one ofthermoplastic, metal, organic compounds, wood, cork, and compositematerials, and wherein the protective housing assembly is manufacturedby at least one of injection molding, machining, and casting.
 7. Theprotective case assembly of claim 1, wherein the case assembly wheninstalled on a portable electronic device, still allows for access tonative functions of the portable electronic device.
 8. The protectivecase assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective case assembly includesapertures on any face thereof to allow for access and egress of soundthrough speaker/microphone ports of a portable electronic device whenthe protective case assembly is installed on the portable electronicdevice, and to allow mechanical mating of all accessory ports of aportable electronic device when the protective case assembly isinstalled on the portable electronic device.
 9. The protective caseassembly in claim 1, wherein the protective case assembly includes atleast one extension button configured to interface with a button of aportable electronic device when the protective case assembly isinstalled on the portable electronic device.
 10. The protective caseassembly of claim 1, wherein the protective case assembly includes atleast one aperture on any face thereof to allow for access and functionof a camera of a portable electronic device when the protective caseassembly is installed on the portable electronic device.
 11. Theprotective case assembly of claim 2, wherein the nosecone housing andthe lower housing are configured to be selectively latched together by aconnection mechanism in which latching/mating and delatch/un-matingforces result in less y-axial force when mating and increased y-axialforce when un-mating.
 12. The protective case assembly of claim 1,further comprising a portable electronic device.
 13. The protective caseassembly of claim 1, wherein the cable/connector assembly is inelectrical contact with said charge/sync port regardless of the deployedlength of the cable.
 14. A protective case assembly for a portableelectronic do vice, comprising: a protective housing assembly, anintegrated cable/connector assembly configured to be coupled to astandard portable electronic device charge/sync port of a portableelectronic device, and an integrated rotational spool assembly,containing a fixed length of charge/sync cable and a distal interfaceconnector, that can be extended or retracted from the housing assembly;wherein the protective housing assembly includes a pocket to house thespool assembly; wherein the spool assembly comprises a stationary PCB, arotary PCB, and a spool top component, wherein the charge/sync cable isattached to the rotary PCB and terminated with the distal interfaceconnector, wherein the stationary PCB is used for the termination of anindustry standard proximal device interface connector cable pigtailassembly, and to provide concentric interface pads to complete anelectrical connection through the rotary PCB to the distal interfaceconnector; wherein the rotary PCB maintains, by use of a metallicelectrical contact, at least one constant electrical connection betweenthe distal interface connector and the proximal device interfaceconnector cable pigtail assembly; wherein the spool top componentincludes a connection hub for mounting of the rotary PCB, and whereinthe spool top component includes a center wall for the charge/sync cableto wind onto, and wherein the spool top component includes fingerpockets comprising conical angled walls which terminate in the spool topcomponent to a flat bottom finger surface to allow for manual retractionof the charge/sync cable.
 15. The protective case assembly of claim 1,wherein the spool assembly includes an axial hub and wherein thecharge/sync cable is constrained around the axial hub by at least oneaxially rotational printed circuit board.
 16. The protective caseassembly of claim 1, further comprising a recoil spring configured torewind the spool assembly and thereby retract the charge/sync cable. 17.The protective case assembly of claim 14, wherein the rotary PCBcontains apertures to accommodate within the thickness of the rotary PCBthe deflection due to normal force of said electrical contact, therebyallowing surface-to-surface contact between the stationary PCB and therotary PCB.
 18. The protective case assembly of claim 14, wherein theintegrated cable/connector assembly can be extended to any of aplurality of fixed distances from the protective case by manuallypulling on the distal interface connector.
 19. The protective caseassembly of claim 14, wherein the integrated cable/connector assemblycan be fully retracted into a protected and discreet position inside theprotective housing assembly by manually rotating the spool topcomponent.
 20. A protective case assembly for a portable electronicdevice, comprising: a protective housing assembly, an integratedcable/connector assembly configured to be coupled to a standard portableelectronic device charge/sync port of a portable electronic device, andan integrated rotational spool assembly, containing a fixed length ofcharge/sync cable and a distal interface connector, that can be extendedor retracted from the housing assembly, wherein the protective housingassembly follows a profile of the portable electronic device, howeverdeviates from the profile in a “bump-out” housing section of a minimumof 0.21 inches from a surface of a portable electronic device and acorresponding “bump-in” of the housing on said surface to create aneasily discernible “nook” in the housing that allows a user to discernan orientation of the protective case assembly in one's pocket or in lowlight or visually obstructed conditions.
 21. A protective case assemblyfor a portable electronic device, comprising: a protective housingassembly, an integrated cable/connector assembly configured to becoupled to a standard portable electronic device charge/sync port of aportable electronic device, and an integrated rotational spool assembly,containing a fixed length of charge/sync cable and a distal interfaceconnector, that can be extended or retracted from the housing assembly,wherein the spool assembly includes a rotary PCB spring contact thatmaintains constant electrical contact between a rotary PCB of the spoolassembly and a stationary PCB of the spool assembly as the rotary PCBrotates with respect to the stationary PCB.
 22. A protective caseassembly for a portable electronic device, comprising: a protectivehousing assembly, an integrated cable/connector assembly configured tobe coupled to a standard portable electronic device charge/sync port ofa portable electronic device, and an integrated rotational spoolassembly, containing a fixed length of charge/sync cable and a distalinterface connector, that can be extended or retracted from the housingassembly, wherein the spool assembly includes a spool top componenthaving at least one finger depression configured to retain a user'sfinger during rotational spinning action of the spool assembly.
 23. Aprotective case assembly for a portable electronic device, comprising: aprotective housing assembly, an integrated cable/connector assemblyconfigured to be coupled to a standard portable electronic devicecharge/sync port of a portable electronic device, and an integratedrotational spool assembly, containing a fixed length of charge/synccable and a distal interface connector, that can be extended orretracted from the housing assembly, wherein an exterior of theprotective case assembly extends at least 0.21 inches from a charge/syncport face of a portable electronic device to provide a thumb rest andgripping area for one handed viewing of a screen of the portableelectronic device and unobstructed access to a user interface button ofthe portable electronic device while providing space inside theprotective housing assembly for a proximal connector and a 180 degreebend of a proximal cable pigtail.
 24. A protective case assembly for aportable electronic device, comprising: a protective housing assembly,an integrated cable/connector assembly configured to be coupled to astandard portable electronic device charge/sync port of a portableelectronic device, and an integrated rotational spool assembly,containing a fixed length of charge/sync cable and a distal interfaceconnector, that can be extended or retracted from the housing assembly,wherein the protective case assembly includes shallow pockets in whichdecals are disposed, the pocket depths and the thicknesses of thecorresponding decals resulting in the decals protruding a distance aboveexterior surfaces of the protective housing assembly to provide at leastone of anti-slip functionality and drop and bump protection.